Abstract
Introduction & Objectives:
Chlamydia incidences remain high worldwide and is considered a global public health problem. However, testing rates among young sexually active people remain low. Feelings of embarrassment and stigma are well-known deterrents to sexually transmitted infection testing and should be considered when developing new technologies to increase testing up-take. Digital technologies can support accessibility to healthcare and meet challenges such as lack of staff. Thus, we have designed and developed a self-testing technology that allow patients to be tested at a sexual health clinic through self-collected sampling without a face-to-face consultation. The aim of this study was to pilot test the self-testing technology in clinical practice and to investigate the experiences of patients who have completed a self-test.
Materials & Methods:
A qualitative approach was applied and participant observation of 10 patients while using the self-testing technology and 10 semi-structured interviews with patients after the use of the self-test technology were conducted.
Results:
Patients’ experienced high sense of security using the self-testing technology. Taking the test at one’s own pace in a private setting and avoiding “judgmental looks” hindered an awkward situation. Patients did not feel the need to address a healthcare professional during the test, quite the reverse; they experienced anonymity and discretion, which was emphasized as important during the self-test. Furthermore, they experienced the self-testing technology as easy to use and as a flexible solution.
Conclusion:
The self-testing technology may have the potential to increase testing up-take as it takes into account some of the barriers that exist. A more simplified and increased accessibility of chlamydia testing by the self-test technology proved feasible. The pilot test and evaluation has resulted in a fully functioning implementation of the self-testing technology in clinical practice.
Chlamydia incidences remain high worldwide and is considered a global public health problem. However, testing rates among young sexually active people remain low. Feelings of embarrassment and stigma are well-known deterrents to sexually transmitted infection testing and should be considered when developing new technologies to increase testing up-take. Digital technologies can support accessibility to healthcare and meet challenges such as lack of staff. Thus, we have designed and developed a self-testing technology that allow patients to be tested at a sexual health clinic through self-collected sampling without a face-to-face consultation. The aim of this study was to pilot test the self-testing technology in clinical practice and to investigate the experiences of patients who have completed a self-test.
Materials & Methods:
A qualitative approach was applied and participant observation of 10 patients while using the self-testing technology and 10 semi-structured interviews with patients after the use of the self-test technology were conducted.
Results:
Patients’ experienced high sense of security using the self-testing technology. Taking the test at one’s own pace in a private setting and avoiding “judgmental looks” hindered an awkward situation. Patients did not feel the need to address a healthcare professional during the test, quite the reverse; they experienced anonymity and discretion, which was emphasized as important during the self-test. Furthermore, they experienced the self-testing technology as easy to use and as a flexible solution.
Conclusion:
The self-testing technology may have the potential to increase testing up-take as it takes into account some of the barriers that exist. A more simplified and increased accessibility of chlamydia testing by the self-test technology proved feasible. The pilot test and evaluation has resulted in a fully functioning implementation of the self-testing technology in clinical practice.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publication date | 2023 |
| Publication status | Published - 2023 |
| Event | 32nd European Academy of Dematology and Venerology - Messe Berlin Congress Center, Berlin, Germany Duration: 11. Oct 2023 → 14. Oct 2023 https://eadvcongress2023.org/ |
Conference
| Conference | 32nd European Academy of Dematology and Venerology |
|---|---|
| Location | Messe Berlin Congress Center |
| Country/Territory | Germany |
| City | Berlin |
| Period | 11/10/2023 → 14/10/2023 |
| Internet address |